Songwriter-Producer Ed Penney Dead at 89

Noted country music songwriter and producer Ed Penney has passed away.

According to Music Row, Penney died peacefully at his home in Nashville on Dec. 29. He was 89 years old. His cause of death has not been revealed.

Penney was best-known for a run of successful singles he co-wrote and produced for Terri Gibbs in the '80s, including her debut single and signature song, 'Somebody's Knockin',' which earned her a 1981 CMA Horizon Award and a Grammy nomination for Best Country Song. He also co-wrote and produced a number of Gibbs' other singles, including 'Some Days It Rains All Night Long,' which hit No. 33 in 1982.

Other country stars who cut Penney's songs include Jim Ed Brown, Anne Murray, Barbara Mandrell, Dottie West, Jerry Lee Lewis, Hank Williams, Jr., Glen Campbell and Lee Greenwood. His long and varied career also included stints as a popular radio personality in the '50s and the owner of a public relations firm in the '60s.

Penney retired from music after his run with Gibbs ended, opening a bookstore in Nashville that dealt in rare books and autographs.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia, and children Linda Floyd, Edward Penney, Wayne Penney, Diane Penney, Elaine Eskew, Kathleen Penney and Kevin Penney, as well as 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Country Artists We Lost in 2014